Book Review: Serial Killer Support Group by Carrie McCrossen
From the moment I laid eyes on the title Serial Killer Support Group, I was both intrigued and a bit perplexed. How could a book blending such dark themes—loss, vengeance, and the murky waters of morality—be painted with the brush of a support group, typically reserved for healing and sharing? Carrie McCrossen’s latest thriller challenges our notions of justice and empathy in a world that often seems devoid of both, offering a harrowing journey through one woman’s quest for revenge after tragedy strikes.
The story revolves around Cyra Griffin, a sister grappling with grief after her younger sibling’s brutal murder. The premise is compelling: Cyra, disillusioned with the police’s sluggish investigation, takes it upon herself to infiltrate a support group for serial killers, donning the guise of one of their own. However, this decision comes with perilous stakes that test her humanity. I was drawn into Cyra’s complex motivations—her grief, her desire for justice, and her thirst for revenge. It’s a deeply relatable anchor for readers, yet I found myself conflicted with her methods.
McCrossen crafts a chilling atmosphere with a revelation of each killer’s story that momentarily pulls you in. I appreciated how the narratives often revealed complexities in their psychology. For instance, dissecting each killer’s thought process sheds light not only on their actions but also on Cyra’s struggle to remain morally upright. However, I must admit that I rolled my eyes frequently as the group devolved into petty bickering, making them seem far more human, and consequently, less menacing than one might expect. It’s amusing, perhaps intended, but ultimately felt disjointed with the novel’s darker undertones.
In terms of pacing, the first half of the book flowed intriguingly. Cyra’s infiltration had moments of suspense that kept me turning pages eagerly. Yet, the narrative stumbled; the reliance on convenient plot devices, like group members revealing personal information far too freely, diminished the tension. The climactic moments felt predictable, and as a relatively seasoned reader of thrillers, I found myself wishing for more unpredictability.
As the final pages approached, I sought resolution, yet what I encountered felt rushed. The cliffhanger ending leaves readers anticipating a sequel, but it also muddled the emotional engagement I had felt earlier. The buildup to Cyra becoming willingly entwined in the cycle of violence left me questioning her initial character arc, which felt at odds with my hope for her transformation.
While Serial Killer Support Group explores profound themes of grief and morality, its execution sometimes feels chaotic and inconsistent. McCrossen has a unique voice that shines in bursts, and I found her insights about toxic family dynamics and the web of human connection quite poignant. If you’re prepared for a read that leans into dark humor and explores the bizarre nature of its premise with a willingness to overlook some inconsistencies, you might find a curious companion in this book.
In conclusion, I would recommend Serial Killer Support Group to those intrigued by psychological thrillers that challenge the audience’s perceptions of normalcy and morality. It grapples with difficult themes that could resonate deeply with readers familiar with grief, toxic relationships, and the search for justice. Even amidst its flaws, this book earns a place on your shelf if you’re comfortable navigating the intersection of darkness and absurdity. While it left me questioning several choices—both in plot and character—I appreciated McCrossen’s ambition to push boundaries and provoke discussion. After all, sometimes the most engaging stories invite us to consider the unspeakable.
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